2026

Design Awards Silver Winner - TAO HONG JIA

π Eastern Tea Set

Entrant

TAO HONG JIA

Category

Tableware - Teapots & Tea Sets

Client's Name

Country / Region:

China

The tea set is crafted for solo tea drinkers, bringing simplicity and quietness back to tea drinking. Unlike cluttered traditional tea sets, it cleverly combines the teapot and teacup into one. When not in use, the teacup can be placed inside the teapot or atop the lid, looking like a simple, elegant desk ornament while saving space. When in use, the teapot and teacup each serve their purpose, and the lid’s 360° built-in filter holes ensure a pure tea infusion without the need for an extra strainer, making the tea-drinking experience more relaxing.
The tea set draws inspiration from traditional Chinese architecture and mathematical order. The fluid form mirrors the upturned eaves of classical Chinese buildings. When pouring, the tea infusion flows gracefully down the spout like rain trickling off eaves, preventing dripping and adding a subtle architectural beauty to the tea ritual. The tea set incorporates the symmetrical structure of the mathematical symbol “π,” using minimal lines to create a sense of order and refinement, implying that even a compact form can hold infinite possibilities. It carries both traditional heritage and a forward-looking spirit.
The teapot is made of coarse ceramic with a matte black glaze and a textured surface. It offers a solid, slightly rough tactile feel, evoking a simple and unrefined wabi-sabi aesthetic. A handwoven rattan-and-leather sleeve, made using intangible cultural heritage techniques, wraps the teapot. Warm leather interlaced with flexible rattan protects hands from heat and adds a handcrafted touch, balancing aesthetics and functionality.

Credits

Yufei Zheng
TAO HONG JIA
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